Serious Games

While games are often associated with frivolous fun, game designers are increasingly exploring whether play can be a productive force to tackle our world’s problems. This presentation will discuss different ways that video games are being deployed to “serious” ends: educating players about tough social or scientific problems like climate change, inviting the public to volunteer to be a part of research projects, and helping people make necessary lifestyle changes. In the session, the attendees will test a range of example games and discuss how their design choices balance seriousness and playfulness to achieve a real-world purpose.